kawaiiprincess

Introduction

Recently I have had a discussion online over the idea of various conspiracy theories that are floating around on the internet. The particular theory that came my way basically states that the United States is no longer the United States, and that there are plans to mass imprison people who do not follow along with the U.S. Government in coming future events. These future events are tied in closely to biblical prophecy relating to eschatology (theological doctrine of the “last things” or the end of the world) before the return of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

As a result of my email conversation, I thought it is important to post something upon this topic. In this short paper we will see how conspiracy theories affect our spiritual walk by the following: (i) causing one to sin, (ii) lashon hara and communication rooted in unholiness, and (iii) not truly trusting in the Most High G-d.

What is a conspiracy theory?

To believe a conspiracy theory is to believe the ultimate cause of an event or a chain of events and/or the concealment of such (ranging from public knowledge to a secret and often deceptive plot) is performed by a powerful or influential people or organizations. Therefore, the majority of conspiracy theories imply that major events in history have been dominated by conspirators, people or organizations who manipulate events behind the scenes.

The etymology of “conspiracy” is Middle English conspiracie, from Latin conspirare, and means it is the act of conspiring together; an agreement among conspirators. Conspiracy means “an agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act to accomplish a lawful end by unlawful means” (Britannica Concise Encyclopedia).

Discussion

You know the only thing I can think is “conspiracy…conspiracy…conspiracy.” Have you ever looked online to find anything on conspiracy theories? www.google.com will give you around 650,500 hits on the words “conspiracy theories.” The next thing I did was look for anything written on the problems of conspiracy theories or the problems with listening to conspiracy theories. There is virtually nothing on the topic. I think there are a few reasons why people choose to believe in conspiracy theories, one is it gives one the sense of satisfaction of being smart enough to have figured it all out.

The problem however what is occurring in reality, these theories are projecting their fictional musings onto real-life people, events, families, organizations, groups, etc. So, these theories are sold as politics, similar to the polemic of Adolf Hitler, he was a master of weaving conspiracy tales. We see this throughout history taking for example Nero who blamed the Christians for burning Rome or even in the B’rit HaChadashah (New Testament) how the leaders devised a conspiracy theory to explain away the empty tomb (disciples carried him away). It is my opinion that the Conspiracy theory no matter what it is … is rooted in unholiness.

These tales inflame the fears and paranoia of people to the extent that anything can happen taking for example World War 1 & 2 that took place back in the mid-twentieth century. In fact, people even get a sort of perverse enjoyment from retelling the tales of paranoia, supposed “insight,” fear, discontentment, etc which this propaganda promotes. So, you maybe asking, “Why do you say this is rooted in unholiness?” Let’s look at and see what the Torah has to say:

Leviticus 19:16

19:16 “‘Do not go around spreading slander among your people, but also don’t stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is at stake; I am ADONAI. (CJB)

Exodus 23:1

23:1 “You are not to repeat false rumors; do not join hands with the wicked by offering perjured testimony. (CJB)

The scriptures speak of “gossip” as one who connives, dreams up, and twists truth that is compelling and masquerades as wisdom. There is perverted sweetness to this deception which is the primary lure of committing this sin of gossip. The main point here in what I want to say is how do these theories honor the Most High God in Heaven? Fear, worry, and discontentment take us away from one of the most important things in our spiritual lives which are to “Trust” in Him … to Trust in the Lord God Almighty and to pray.

Conclusion

When this conspiracy theory came to me via email about the United States of America, I was saddened because this information was being perpetuated by leaders in the Christian community. This is nothing less than promoting gossip and slander which is the very definition of lashon hara, even lashon hara against our enemies. (See http://www.torahresource.com/EnglishArticles/Leshon%20Hara.pdf for more information on lashon hara) I believe that lashon hara is a sin, even if it is against our enemies. As the Children of the Most High G-d we have to live exemplary lives, which include what we say and even what we think. Ultimately, the decision has to be made on an individual basis, do we trust in the Lord or do we spread conspiracy theories and enjoy the sweetness of gossip?

I am not saying that we should be unaware of what is taking place in this world; but we need to know the truth, discern what is a lie, and be knowledgeable about what is gossip and slander so that we can walk spotless before the Lord.

Ephesians 5:6-13

5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty talk; for it is because of these things that God’s judgment is coming on those who disobey him. 5:7 So don’t become partners with them! 5:8 For you used to be darkness; but now, united with the Lord, you are light. Live like children of light, 5:9 for the fruit of the light is in every kind of goodness, rightness and truth - 5:11 Have nothing to do with the deeds produced by darkness, but instead expose them, 5:12 for it is shameful even to speak of the things these people do in secret. 5:13 But everything exposed to the light is revealed clearly for what it is, (CJB)

Further information on conspiracy theories with a biblical perspective is available at http://www.matsati.com/

One of the major aspects of the Sacrament of Confirmation are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit that are bestowed on the candidate when they are sealed with the Holy Spirit. The candidate when participating in Confirmation accepts that their mission is to be witnesses of Jesus in their families and communities. And, the reception of those gifts helps each candidate succeed on their mission.

The gifts are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude, counsel, piety and fear of the Lord are the seven gifts although the gifts will manifest themselves over the candidates lifetime.

The gift of wisdom gives the confirmed the gift to see the worlds though Gods eyes and viewpoint. This will help us to understand the purpose of Gods plan for us and for the world. The candidate also has the ability to formulate a historical perspective and help have an enlightened view of history and how the present and the past work together and affect the mystery of the future. This is also known as speculative reason according to St. Thomas Aquinas, in Summa Theologica.

The gift of knowledge helps the confirmed use thoughtful reflection and contemplation on the mystery of God. It also helps with the mysteries of the Trinity and as well as the Catholic faith, according to the United States Catholic Catechism. This gift also helps draw the candidate to a meditative prayer, meaning the candidate is open for God to lead them while they are just quietly listening. Often this is practiced during Adoration. This is what Aquinas called practical reasoning.

The gift of understanding is to help the candidate learn themselves and how to grow in knowing God. St. Augustine used the prayer “That I May know You, may I know Myself.” We are all made in God’s image and as we come to know ourselves we also learn about God and who he is. This is also what Aquinas calls common sense.

The gift of fortitude is also known as the courage. The confirmed can used this gift to stand up for Jesus and his teaching. According to Aquinas, this gift is the firmness that is required to do good and to stand up to evil. This gift is more evident when the good or evil is particularly more difficult.

The gift of counsel is also known as right judgment and is the perfection of practical reasoning. And after the candidates learns though research how the candidate applies the knowledge. As this gift grows and we are faced with moral dilemmas we are more apt to make the better or more moral decision, according to Aquinas.

The gift of piety is the reverence and respect we show to the Father. Reverence may be learned from parents and teachers. This gift is often renewed during liturgy where it is a reminder to teach us reverence. Aquinas says at the instigation of the Holy Spirit we pay worship and duty to God as our Father.

And lastly the gift of Fear of the Lord, allows us the awe of the majesty of God. This also is a what makes us grateful wonder of God and his love for the candidate. According to Aquinas this is also the fear of separating themselves from God.

According to Aquinas the summary of the gifts is that the first 4 gifts direct the intellect and the last 3 direct the candidates will toward God making the confirmed a powerful messenger for Christ and His teachings.

Faith-full carries confirmation gifts and catholic Confirmation sponsor gifts

After a candidate received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and he receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Church teaches that these gifts bear fruits, the Fruits of the Spirits. These fruits are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-Control and Chastiy.

The Fruits of the Spirit is a concept found in Chapter 5 :22 of Galatians and given the name Fruit because it was meant to imply harvest or the result of the Gifts the Holy Spirit gives during Confirmation.

The fruit of love is also known as agape love and there is a full description of love from Corinthians 13:4-8. It is often read at weddings because it fully describes what love should be. Agape and Eros are defined in Greek in this way. Eros is the physical love where as agape love is the mature love and transcends physical attraction.

Joy is beyond happiness, which is just conditional or emotional. You can be happy or experience happiness when eat a good dinner. Joy is a state of mind that often involves being in fellowship with God. People often say that they have an internal feeling of joy and have a general feeling of well being.

Peace is having a restful relationship with God. In obtaining this, the confirmed is more receptive to the will of go and what he is seeking from God. Life becomes less chaotic. God can still be present in time of conflict but the confirmed realizes that God has not left them.

Patience is the ability to endure and be strong. It’s also the ability to better mirror Jesus with his ability to be patient with us. Patience is also a way to better carry our crosses without any upset. There are several levels of patience. The basic level is no complaining, second level is making progress in times of hardship. Lastly, the highest level is to desire a cross and accept it willingly.

Kindness is having sympathy and understanding for others and showing concern for those in need. This may be done though actions or just simple words of encouragement. On receiving the Spirit should innately be more kind because of the agreement to be more Christ-like.

Goodness is attained when the candidate is more in tune with God and what his will is for us. Conjoined is Gentleness, having mild disposition and behavior and helping to not being angry or bearing resentment.

The Fruit of Faith is the ability to believe what we cannot see. Faith is part of our intellect and in order to have faith in God we must be willing accept God over that intellect. It is by this faith that we understand the we should not commit sin and follow Christ’s blue print to gain entrance into heaven.

Modesty, Self-Control And Chastity are all fruits that tie together. Modesty helps us to avoid offensive behavior even if it is not required in the circumstance. Chastity tempers the desires of the flesh even with in marriage. And in order to act Chaste, you must act with self control especially when dealing with unruly sexual urges.

The fruits of the Spirit elevate the confirmed person giving them the ability to better conduct their mission to spread the news of Jesus.

Faith-full supplies unique confirmation gifts for Catholic Confirmation

As children prepare for their First Communion, the church clearly also states that the child must have also celebrated their first Confession, or first penance prior to receiving their first Eucharist. The Magisterium is very clear on that however, even though this was all outlined in 1977, there are still some dissenting opinions.

Pope Pius X in 1916 decreed that children were to receive the sacraments of penance and then partake in their First Communion as soon as they reach the age of reason. That is usually 6-7 years old. This became the practice of the church and why our children receive their first Eucharist at such a young age. The Church has seem great results from going with this but the need for confession is something that we will continue to hear from the Pope.

In 1971, there was an addendum to the Catechetical Directory which said that communion must be preceded by penance. The document said that although the Holy See Judges heard all the discussion it was fitting that now there would be no deviation and that the Church mandated that confession was done prior to First Communion .

The document did recognize that there was some areas that were celebrating the Eucharist first then Penance. They said that the parishes and areas that are doing this could if they let the Holy See know and they were still of one mind with the Vatican. Pope Paul VI finalized the change and by 1973 school year all churches were to be following the new rule.

The move was also based in scripture. St. Paul was the first person to say that you should have a norm established that even applies to children. In addition this protected the integrity of the Eucharist itself. There should be and examination of conscience prior to receiving Eucharist. The concern is that children cannot clearly do it and need some help. By putting them with a priest to confess to, this allows them to guide the child though the process. This helps the child see and recognize their faults and allows the priest the opportunity to point out what those faults are and how serious those faults may be.

A pastor that is well practiced in hearing confession understand the importance of a child who is receiving their first Penance so that they are fully prepared to receive their first communion. The better prepared the priest confessor is the better prepared the child experience with confession will be and the more prepared to receive the Eucharist they will be.

Additionally the better prepared the children are the more they will recognize the unique nature of these two sacrament and be more apt to participate in them as they get older. The will be better able to recognize Jesus because they received their first communion in a state of grace, that is absent of sin. It also allows the child to gain a keener ability to have sound moral judgment in knowing the difference between good and evil.

The benefits of receiving Penance first are so great that the dissenters cannot mount a compelling argument enough to change the order again. As a result first communion will always be given after first penance

Faith-full has a full line of first communion dresses and first communion gifts

There are many facets to the Eucharist prayer. But it is truly the heart of the church and something that should be explained to each child receiving their first communion. As we look at the prayer, we first must understand what Eucharist is, what it means. Most of all the Eucharist is thanksgiving, taken from the Greek word Eucharistia.

As we look at the anatomy of the pray at that is used we see that there are many instances of a Berakah, a Jewish Meal prayer of Thanksgiving. According to Pope John Paul II in his Encyclical, Esslesia DeEucharistisia. The Eucharist has always been a meal and set forth by Christ at the Last Supper. There is definite scriptural Foundation of the Eucharist. It appears in Mt 26:20, Mk 14:17 and Lk 22:14. Additionally, the other Jewish element was the Towdah, or the sacrifice that was handed down by King David after he defeated the Levites.

According to David, the Today would always be done up until the time that the messiah came, there would be no more Todah. Interestingly in the 5th century Temple Mount was destroyed and there are no more sacrifice. However, from the Christian viewpoint the todah did stop and gave way to this sacrifice of thanksgiving known as Eucharist. This type sacrifice will take place until Christ returns.

The Eucharistic pray has some interesting history as well. There are presently 13 Eucharistic prayers with #2 and #3 being the most commonly used. Ironically Eucharist Prayer #1 is what is known as the Roman Canon. It was the only Eucharistic prayer all the way up though 1968. In 1968 they sat down and wrote many of these prayers out. Eucharistic prayer #2 has the oldest roots, however. The words and parts of Prayer #2 date back to the the 300s. The formal roman Canon version of the Eucharistic Prayer was founded in the 5th century and used verbatim during all masses up though 1968, but #2 is the oldest in its content and format.

No discussion of the Liturgy of the Eucharist or Eucharistic Prayer can be looked out without looking at the Liturgy of the Word. The Liturgy of the Word is needed because it helps and prepares is to see Christ in Eucharist. It is definitely needed for the communicant to get the most out of the Eucharist experience. To signify the importance of the Eucharist St. Thomas Aquinas made a very interesting analogy. He said that the Eucharist has the same effect of nourishment on the soul of the person as food and drink has on the health and well being of the person. These only further highlights why we must prepare ourselves to get the most out of the Eucharistic banquet.

Maybe as we look at the Eucharistic prayers it begs the question what is the most important reason Jesus gave us the Eucharist. And because He left real specific instruction on how we were to conduct Eucharist why? The answer is the most simple of answers. Jesus left us with the Real Presence, meaning, his actual presence in his Body, Blood and Divinity to give us a physical reminder.

Faith-full has a full line of first communion veils and first communion gifts

The Catholic church has people who are designated Saints. So what does that mean. And why or how do they come to the conclusion that they are Saints. The Saints are a group of people that by their actions, including martyrdom, are known to be in heaven without any doubt. The Saints go back to the first Pope, Peter. The list includes the twelve apostles and St. Paul. Those are the earliest Saints know.

There are three levels a saint must pass though on the road to sainthood. They are Venerated, Beatified, and Blessed and the process can stall at any point, leaving the person locked at that level indefinitely.

As with all things in the Catholic church there is a process in how the saint is elevated to blessed and to saint. The first requirement to being a Saint is to be dead. It makes sense because after all if you are not dead you cannot be in Heaven.

The heroic virtue element is necessary or martyrdom. A martyr is a person who has died for being Christian, died because of their belief in God and in essence died for the faith. In the United States there is not much dying for the Faith going on. However, there is plenty Martyrdom going on in China, Africa, the Philippines and South America and even Iraq. There have been news stories on how of late on the persecution of Christians in Iraq and how the priests in that area are being slaughtered. This would be modern martyrdom.

Heroic Virtue are the virtues we were all taught in school. They are faith hope and charity and prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude. If you think about the saint you will easily find at least one of these virtues. Take St. Vincent DePaul being the Apostle of Charity. We should all strive to meet these virtues in our own life’s and the Saints do give us a model for us to follow of how to implement these virtues into our own lives.

Once its determined that the person has lived his life in this manner, it is important that they let the Bishop know that they think this person is worth of Sainthood. You also need a large group to also make these requests as well as the willingness to pay for process called canonization. A modern example of this taking place is Bishop Fulton Sheen, many of his followers are working diligently to get him to be considered for the Sainthood, but in addition to working on it relentlessly, they also are accepting donations to help offset the cost of the process. One the bishop agrees with the group that the person is worthy of sainthood, the church begins its investigation of the person’s life and reviews it down to the last little detail to make sure they qualify.

From the bishop, once he has documented the person’s life and their virtue, he then sends a recommendation to Rome to the part of the Vatican called the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints. They review all the information collected and do their own investigation to see if the person can either qualify as Martyr or having a life of heroic Virtue. If the person meets this bar, they are then named Venerable. This is the first stop and the person may remain on this level for centuries.

The next level would be to send this person to the Pope. The pope would again have to review to see if there was evidence of heroic virtue. But to reach the level of Beatification, the person has to have a miracle attributed to them, either in action or in prayer. The miracle has to be certified as not being able to explain though science or doctors. It can be a cure of cancer or a recovery from a car accident. Once the cure or miracle has been confirmed and it has been determined that you it cannot be explained though modern technology, the person is then elevated to the status of Blessed.

What the designation of Blessed means is that the person is one step from canonization. The requirements for Canonization is to have another miracle performed by the person. The second miracle has another review to make sure the Vatican wants to elevate the person to sainthood. The canonized saint is then added to the to the liturgical calendar

Faith-full has a full line of Paton Saint Medals and Paton Saint Statues

We have tended to think of matter as solid and of thoughts and feelings as invisible and insubstantial. More like air than like anything physical. Now, it turns out that both physical matter and our thoughts and feelings are all composed of energy. Indeed, the entire physical reality that we know of is composed of energy, despite the fact that it appears solid to our eyes.

The new interpretation of reality as being based in energy, whether it is outer reality or inner, comes from an understanding of the principles of spiritual light. These principles teach us in both conceptual and practical ways, that the energy of light can penetrate physical matter and interact with it in ways that could not take place if it were actually solid and impenetrable. Rather, spiritual light acts as a powerful force or current that can merge with anything, and in so doing, can transform that thing from within.

The increase of light upon the earth, today, has begun to show itself in the expansion of consciousness of some, reflected in the new experiences of intuition, inspiration, and other-dimensional awareness that could not have taken place years ago. This infusion of light into our mental process has created a return to a deeper level of knowing and of perception than many of us have felt previously in our lives.

Simultaneously, the infusion of light can create temporary mental disturbances – difficult areas of thought that one would prefer not to encounter, areas that feel like they cannot be counteracted by an effort of will, but that seem to take up occupancy in the brain, unbidden.

The same is true for emotional life. The energy of light interacts with the energy of emotion, producing states that are unexplainable of peace, joy, love, and a sense of inner strength that one may not have felt before. This same infusion of spiritual light can also bring up emotions that have been long forgotten or repressed, that now clamor for attention and for healing.

These internal events are stirred by the interaction of light with the energy of thought and feeling. They are bringing us, individually and collectively, into a new consciousness of who we are as Divine children of God. On an external level as well, the energy of light is interacting with the energetic matrix of physical matter – the part that we know of as atomic and sub-atomic particles – to create within that energetic matrix a new relationship of particles, a new way of matter being held together. The difference is not one that is entirely visible to the eye, and yet some can notice when the trees, plants, and birds in the yard seem to be more alive and have greater vitality. It is more difficult to notice that the earth as a whole, including the entire realm of nature, is becoming more transparent to light and less dense.

We have come a long way in our understanding of the human psyche, and there is far more to go. Today’s challenge is to recast the psychological understanding that we have held for so long regarding thought, feeling, and matter, into a new frame of reference in which all that exists is energy, and as such, follows Divine principles that are part of the construction of the universe and of physical reality.

Blessed is this time of transformation, for the earth’s transition into light and that of individual consciousness will manifest a new and abundant way of life for the inhabitants of the earth.

Julie Redstone is a writer, teacher, and founder of Light Omega, a spiritual center for healing and transformation in western Massachusetts, and One World Meditations, a global meditative effort to bring light and healing to the earth and to strengthen the planetary network of light.

There is an awakeness that comes from a clear mind, unobscured by wandering thoughts and preoccupations, and there is an awakeness that comes from a clear heart, willing to engage with life as gift and as an ever-unfolding revelation of the purpose of Creation.

Such an awakened heart cannot respond indifferently to life because it sees the outstretched hand of the Creator at every turn and in every particle of experience. It cannot turn away from feeling, no matter what feelings may occur, because it perceives emotional depth as the great gift of individualized consciousness. This gift stirs the response of individualized life to the Source of life as it displays Itself in all living things.

To be awake and present is to take responsibility for noticing - for maintaining an intimate connection between the self that IS, and the rest of the world that IS. It is to know that within the domain of this relationship lies a profound revelation of the Source of all within every gesture, every interaction, and every experience that takes place. It is to perceive the sacred in every moment.

In today’s overscheduled world, being continuously busy is sometimes a necessity but often a choice based on the drive for outer success, wealth, and the symbols of what is often taken to be a ‘life worth living’. Being busy, as opposed to having time ‘on one’s hands’, is perceived by many as a testimony to a life that has merit, purpose, and meaning.

By contrast, idle hands – hands that remain receptive rather than active in relation to time, suggest that time is being wasted - that one could do more, achieve more, accomplish more. No matter if these hands are connected with one’s heart and with the heart of the world. For many, it is only the visible ‘doing’ of things that creates a sense of security and lets us know that time has meaning. The existence of a space of silence in which awareness can broaden is often not considered a gain. Nor is simply being here, responsive to the very air we breathe, considered a virtue.

Is it any wonder, then, that we, as a collective humanity, have forgotten the sacred art of being present, that we have placed ‘noticing’ on the back burner of experiential values. And what would we notice if we took the time to do so?

In order to answer this question, it is helpful to sit in one place, breathing quietly, eyes somewhat unfocused, listening, seeing, sensing. Though one can do this profitably in a bare room, it is easier, at first, to sit in an environment where there is just a little movement present. Now, close the eyes and pay attention to the other senses. Feel the comforting fabric of surrounding life as if it were an envelope or cocoon, gently cradling one’s essential self. Notice everything without discrimination, without opinion. Try to feel the intimacy of connection with what IS.

Spending time for a few minutes each day being awake and noticing is a good way to begin the practice of being present. It is a good way to begin to expand one’s idea of what constitutes a meaningful life. And yet more than this is needed if one is to truly embrace what IS, and to be ‘present in the present’. What is needed is the greater opening of the heart to the one Self that exists within all.

This perception of Unity and Oneness has an opportunity to grow at any moment in which we interact with another soul. It is nourished by an absence of judgment and by a willingness to be open to the deeper levels of who that other might be. Such openness comes from a state of innocence and of childlike grace. It comes from knowing that the ‘other’ is part of the same ‘ALL THAT IS’ as oneself, therefore of one Heart, one Breath, one Life.

The gift of being present as it applies to relationships is that it brings love to every interaction, no matter how small or insignificant. It brings the Divine into every perception, no matter how ordinary. And it brings gratitude into each moment as it unfolds.

As a sense of being present deepens and one’s capacity to ‘notice’ flowers, the deep richness of life and of love can be found everywhere and separation nowhere. In this state, one senses only the One who lives within all. One feels the Essence within every other. Here, consciousness can only affirm the greater life of which it is a part:

I Am and You Are. We are both of the stars and of the dust of the earth. We are both of the rocks and of the sandy shores. We are water and we are sky; we are earth, and we are air. We are the Breath that life breathes through Itself, in a single and continuous song of Creation.

Julie Redstone is a writer, teacher, and founder of Light Omega, a spiritual center for healing and transformation, and One World Meditations, a global effort to bring light and healing to the earth and to strengthen the planetary network of light.

Angels From the Bible.

No figures in the Bible are as wonderful as the Christmas angels. The Christmas angels are described as messengers of god. The word angels are Greek in origin and means messenger or one who is sent. Angels are supposed to be immortal spirits. It is said that angels live in Heaven and are thought to be intermediaries of God and humans. Angels are thought to be our link to the kingdom of heaven. The concept of angels with a human body and angel wings began in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament of Christianity. The New Testament says they rejoice when people on earth are sorry for their sins.

Christian Angels.

Christianity has developed the most elaborate doctrines about angels. Christianity recognizes an order of beings in which they rank above humans beings but under God. In the Bible nine ranks of angels have been counted. Seraphim angles and Cherubim angels are thought to be the highest order of angels. The Archangel is a chief angel or a leader among the angels. Saint Michael is known as an Archangel. Guardian angels or angel guardians represent a comforting presence for all of us.

Christian doctrine regarding angels reached full development during the A.D. 1100’s and 1200’s, especially in the teachings of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He believed that they were necessary to fill the gap between God and mankind. Aquinas taught that countless numbers of angels existed and that they were immortal. Saint Thomas Aquinas believed angels knew everything except what depended on human choice and what was known only to God. Angel pictures are traditionally pictures that portray angels with human bodies and wings. Poets and artists have portrayed the angel with wings as symbols of innocence or virtue. They also symbolize purity, peace and love.

The Christmas Angels.

The heavenly angels play an important role in the Christmas celebration. It is said that they brought us news of peace through the coming of the Christ child, an angel gift from God for all people on earth. Gabriel is the heavenly angel of Christmas that brought this news to Mary. Gabriel revealed to Mary that she would have a son. An angel also visited Joseph. The angel told Joseph of the upcoming birth of the Christ child. The angel also asked him not to be afraid to marry Mary. A story tells us that God gave a small group of tiny angels a special assignment to watch over this couple on their journey to Bethlehem. These angels were pretty new, and still learning angel ways.

The small angels took their jobs very seriously. Mary and Joseph were guided over rugged pathways at the beginning of a cold winter. The angels did everything they could to prepare the way for Mary and Joseph. But even the tiny angel’s best efforts were of no avail when it came to finding shelter for the two in the crowded town. The tiny angels sang sweetly and used their collective efforts on behalf of Mary and Joseph but in the end, the couple was forced to occupy make shift lodgings in the stable of a Bethlehem inn keeper.

As the night stillness settled over the land, an exciting moment came to pass inside the inns stable. The tiny Christmas angels assigned to care for the young couple flew closer to earth than ever before to observe the miracle birth of Christ. The fastest angel of the group swept over the stable, catching sight of the newborn child through the stable’s shabby, patched roof. And in an instant, the angels’ mission became clear: The little band of angels had been chosen by God to herald the birth of Christ! With great excitement and joy, the leading angel of the band broke into a glorious song that flowed out into the heavens and swirled around the clouds. It was a song of thanksgiving for all mankind to share. Their melody was heard to all the ends of the earth.

Mr. Willmeth has specialized in Christmas Decorations for over 25 years. Select to view his Christmas Decorations Ideas. Joe also has a wonderful selection of Angel Ornaments for you to view.

The cross is a sacred emblem of the Christian faith. It has a deep and sacred meaning for the Christian world. It is a symbol of redemption, signifying Christ’s death on the cross for man’s sins.

The cross was rarely seen during the first three centuries of Christianity. Descriptions of the cross are found in Christian writings from the early 2nd century on. The cross first became prominent in Christianity during the 3rd Century.

The cross is often shown in different shapes, sizes and styles. It may be used in personal jewelry or on top of church buildings. Crosses are a prominent feature in Christian cemeteries, either carved on gravestones or as sculptures. The cross has been used daily since before Christ. It has been used in performing sacred acts of the Church such as the sacrament. Crosses were put up to mark the graves of heroes, kings and bishops during the Middle Ages. They were often set up in market places. In some ceremonies, members of the clergy and worshipers trace the shape of a cross with a hand or certain fingers. A cross on a staff is carried in processions. Churches and cathedrals were often built with the floor plan in the shape of a Latin cross.

Various Christian groups have adopted different styles of crosses. The Latin cross is supposed to be the kind of cross on which Jesus died. It has a long upright pole and crosspiece fastened to it near the top. The Greek cross, or The Cross of Saint George, has four arms of the same length. This cross is also used with the cross of Saint Andrew to form the British Union Jack. In this flag, the Cross of Saint George stands for England, and the Cross of Saint Andrew stands for Scotland. The Maltese cross has eight sharp points. It was the emblem of a certain order of knights of the Middle Ages.

For the first 300 years after the death of Christ, Christians, fearing persecution by the hostile Roman government, rarely displayed the cross in public. During the early middle Ages, Christian artists made crosses as symbols of the Christian belief in the Resurrection of Christ. Many of these portrayed Christ wearing priestly clothes and a royal crown. Later the sufferings of Jesus were emphasized in crucifixes. A crucifix is a cross with an image of the dying Christ.

The crucifixion of Jesus caused Christians to regard the cross with reverence. Since apostolic times the cross has had a prominent place in Christianity. Early Christians prayed with their arms extended to represent Christ on the cross and the use of the sign of the cross can be traced back to the 3rd century. The earliest references to the use of the crucifix were made by writers of the 6th century.

Cross Information

The Latin cross is supposed to be the kind on which Jesus died. It has a long upright pole and a crosspiece fastened to it near the top. It has a shorter horizontal bar intersecting a longer vertical bar above the mid point.

The Greek cross has four arms of the same length. Another name for the Greek cross is the Cross of Saint George.

The Maltese cross has eight sharp points. It was used by a certain order of knights of the Middle Ages as their emblem.

Several flags have crosses, including all the nations of Scandinavia, whose crosses are known as Scandinavian crosses and many nations in the Southern Hemisphere, which incorporate the Southern Cross. The Flag of Switzerland since the 17th century has displayed an equilateral cross in a square, the Red Cross emblem was based on the Swiss flag. The flag of Georgia displays four Jerusalem crosses on the background of St George cross.

The Crux, or Southern Cross, is a cross shaped constellation in the Southern Hemisphere.

The tallest cross, which stands 500 feet tall, is part of Francisco Franco’s monumental “Valley of the Fallen”, in Spain.

Katie is employed as a writer for Christmas Decorations and Gifts. Select to view Christmas Decorations Ideas. Christmas Decorations & Gifts also has a great selection of Holy Cross.